Paraguay have been disqualified from the 2027 Rugby World Cup after fielding an ineligible player during their playoff victory over Brazil.
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The South American side had celebrated a 70–43 aggregate win over their rivals, believing they had booked a place in the Final Qualification Tournament. But jubilation turned to heartbreak when the Paraguayan Rugby Union (URP) discovered the eligibility breach.
The URP self-reported the violation, leading to Paraguay’s removal from the competition.
Samoa ultimately claimed the final spot, defeating Belgium to secure their place at the 2027 tournament.
Paraguay are now the third nation barred from the World Cup, joining Russia and Belarus, who remain suspended by World Rugby due to their involvement in and support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Russia had previously sought to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Stanislav Druzhinin of the Russian Rugby Union revealed at a meeting on 31 May 2019 that Russia planned to use stadiums built for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and their associated legacy projects.
The bid was backed by President Vladimir Putin. However, the Rugby Union of Russia was unable to proceed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) imposed a two-year ban on 17 December 2020, preventing Russia from hosting any major sports tournament.
The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will feature a new six-pool format, is scheduled for 3 December 2025.
EDITORS PICKS
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Predicted based on current rankings:
POOL A – “The Powerhouse Pool”
South Africa (Band 1)
Reigning giants of world rugby. Dominant set-piece, immense defence, and ruthless efficiency.
Reigning giants of world rugby. Dominant set-piece, immense defence, and ruthless efficiency.
Australia (Band 2)
A proud rugby nation rebuilding with speed and energy. Dangerous even when inconsistent.
A proud rugby nation rebuilding with speed and energy. Dangerous even when inconsistent.
Japan (Band 3)
Fast, inventive, and fearless. Known for quick ball movement and tactical cleverness.
Fast, inventive, and fearless. Known for quick ball movement and tactical cleverness.
Tonga (Band 4)
Explosive and physical. Can trouble any side when their offloading game clicks.
Explosive and physical. Can trouble any side when their offloading game clicks.
Summary:
A bruising pool where South Africa and Australia enter as favourites, but Japan’s pace and Tonga’s power guarantee unpredictability. This could have a genuine upset or two.
POOL B – “The Pacific Showcase”
New Zealand (Band 1)
The All Blacks — unmatched flair, speed, and rugby IQ. Always title contenders.
The All Blacks — unmatched flair, speed, and rugby IQ. Always title contenders.
Fiji (Band 2)
Electric footwork, immense power, and natural creativity. A nightmare matchup for any defence.
Electric footwork, immense power, and natural creativity. A nightmare matchup for any defence.
Spain (Band 3)
An improving side full of flair. Known for adventurous attacking rugby.
An improving side full of flair. Known for adventurous attacking rugby.
Portugal (Band 4)
Rapidly rising European underdogs with surprising resilience and strong fundamentals.
Rapidly rising European underdogs with surprising resilience and strong fundamentals.
Summary:
New Zealand will be heavily favoured, but Fiji vs Spain could be one of the most entertaining games of the pool stage. Portugal are capable of troubling anyone.
POOL C – “The Northern Duel”
England (Band 1)
Structured, disciplined, and tactically sharp. Physically imposing across the park.
Structured, disciplined, and tactically sharp. Physically imposing across the park.
Scotland (Band 2)
Smart, spirited, and dangerous on the counter. A team with real giant-killing pedigree.
Smart, spirited, and dangerous on the counter. A team with real giant-killing pedigree.
Uruguay (Band 3)
Tenacious, passionate, and technically improving. Not afraid to push Tier 1 teams.
Tenacious, passionate, and technically improving. Not afraid to push Tier 1 teams.
Romania (Band 4)
Historic rugby nation known for strong forward play and gritty defence.
Historic rugby nation known for strong forward play and gritty defence.
Summary:
England vs Scotland is a blockbuster rivalry clash. Uruguay and Romania bring real physicality, making this a hard-hitting pool with no easy points.
POOL D – “The Strategic Pool”
Ireland (Band 1)
Masters of structured play, precise phase work, and relentless pressure.
Masters of structured play, precise phase work, and relentless pressure.
Italy (Band 2)
Much-improved, athletic, and attacking. Capable of stunning big opponents.
Much-improved, athletic, and attacking. Capable of stunning big opponents.
USA (Band 3)
Athletic, strong, and constantly evolving. Dangerous when momentum builds.
Athletic, strong, and constantly evolving. Dangerous when momentum builds.
Hong Kong China (Band 4)
Developing nation eager to prove themselves on the world stage.
Developing nation eager to prove themselves on the world stage.
Summary:
Ireland are clear favourites, but Italy’s unpredictability creates tension. USA have upset potential, while Hong Kong China enter with nothing to lose.
POOL E – “The Physical Pool”
France (Band 1)
Inventive, unpredictable, and thrilling. A team of individual brilliance and collective power.
Inventive, unpredictable, and thrilling. A team of individual brilliance and collective power.
Georgia (Band 2)
The strongest scrummaging force outside Tier 1. Known for defensive toughness.
The strongest scrummaging force outside Tier 1. Known for defensive toughness.
Samoa (Band 3)
Big, fast, and fearless. Excels in broken play and physical collisions.
Big, fast, and fearless. Excels in broken play and physical collisions.
Canada (Band 4)
Experienced, hard-working side looking to rebuild.
Experienced, hard-working side looking to rebuild.
Summary:
France’s flair meets Georgia’s power and Samoa’s athletic chaos. A brutally physical pool where every match will be a grind. Canada will need discipline to compete.
POOL F – “The South American Showdown”
Argentina (Band 1)
Emotionally charged, tactically clever, and fearless. A true tournament threat.
Emotionally charged, tactically clever, and fearless. A true tournament threat.
Wales (Band 2)
Organised, structured, and resilient. Known for discipline and tournament savvy.
Organised, structured, and resilient. Known for discipline and tournament savvy.
Chile (Band 3)
Fast-improving and fearless. Their speed and fighting spirit make them tricky.
Fast-improving and fearless. Their speed and fighting spirit make them tricky.
Zimbabwe (Band 4)
Massive underdogs with big hearts and explosive athletes.
Massive underdogs with big hearts and explosive athletes.
Summary:
Argentina vs Wales is a heavyweight clash for top spot. Chile will push both, and Zimbabwe’s unpredictability adds an exciting wildcard element.
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men’s Rugby World Cups?
edge and see if you can name all 26 teams that have played at the Men's Rugby World Cup.
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